SEND A MESSAGE TO CONGRESS IN SUPPORT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY HERE.
On February 10, the Obama Administration announced some adjustments to the HHS mandate in an attempt to assuage the valid concerns raised by hundreds of thousands of Americans over the past two weeks. However, the original rule was published without change. Promises were made that more regulations might be developed, but the “accommodations,” if made, will still force religious employers to pay for abortion-causing drugs, sterilization and contraception – either directly or through money paid to an insurance company.
We urge those who are committed to upholding our nation’s commitment to religious liberty to continue speaking out in support for passage of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act currently before Congress (HR 1179 and S 1467).
On March 1, a vote was taken on the “Blunt Amendment,” which contained the text of the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act. Both of Pennsylvania’s senators, Senator Toomey and Senator Casey, voted to uphold religious liberty. Please consider thanking the senators for the vote at 202-224-3121. However, with a final vote of 51-48, the amendment did not pass. Next, HR 1179 will be considered in the House, and it already has nearly 220 cosponsors. A strong vote in the House will help advance the cause of religious liberty.
At issue is the constitutionally protected freedom that ensures respect for the consciences of Catholics and all other Americans. In this ruling, you and I were told that we can call ourselves Catholic, we just can’t act like we are.
Click here to read the Pennsylvania Bishops’ Letter on Religious Liberty, declaring March 30 a Day of prayer, fasting and abstinence for the cause.
Read more about the HHS ruling here.
SEND A MESSAGE TO CONGRESS IN SUPPORT OF RELIGIOUS LIBERTY HERE.
If you’d like to send a letter, you can use this sample letter to Congress regarding the HHS ruling. (MS Word, RTF or PDF) Find your legislators’ addresses here.
Click here to sign the petition on whitehouse.gov.
If you prefer to call, you can reach your congressmen and women at 1-202-224-3121. Ask them to support the Respect for Rights of Conscience Act (HR 1179 and S 1467).
Click here to access the bulletin insert in English and Spanish (PDF) or English or Spanish (Word).